Trends August 2025
Study Examines Rise of Progressive Design-Build Infrastructure Projects
The ACEC Research Institute recently released “Progressive Design-Build: Practice, Perception, and Potential,” a Phase 1 report based on a survey of 581 engineering firm leaders across 439 firms and led by Dr. Keith Molenaar, dean of engineering at the University of Colorado-Boulder.
According to the study, 76 percent of respondents have engaged in progressive design-build projects, with 88 percent reporting increased project volumes and 81 percent noting rising construction values during the last five years. These trends are fueled by the demand for more integrated and transparent delivery models, especially in sectors such as transportation, water and wastewater, aviation, and public and private buildings.
AI Use at Wastewater Treatment Plants Rising Rapidly
According to the recently published Xylem Vue report, “Water Technology Trends 2025,” the use of AI in treatment wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) currently stands at approximately 10 to 15 percent, mainly in larger utilities. In 2025, this figure is expected to rise to 25 to 30 percent as AI solutions become more cost-effective and their ROI delivers clearer returns.
This trend will continue to gain momentum in the coming years. Experts predict that by 2035, AI will be mainstream in 40 to 60 percent of large and medium-sized WWTPs in developed countries, driving compliance, safety and efficiency across the sector.
Download the full report at iimag.link/VnMkP.
Top Challenges in U.S. Water Sector Include Regulations, Cybersecurity, Workforce and Data Centers
As the U.S. water sector grapples with aging infrastructure and workforce shortages, newer concerns include regulatory uncertainty, growing cybersecurity threats and emerging water demands tied to AI and data centers. These pressures, detailed in “Black & Veatch’s 2025 Water Report,” reflect a sector increasingly challenged to protect public health while modernizing systems for the future.
According to the survey, confidence in water system resiliency has weakened, with only 34 percent saying they feel “very confident”—an 11-point drop from 2024—amid persistent concerns about aging infrastructure, affordability and supply reliability.
Funding challenges intensify the strain, with 41 percent of respondents believing long-term funding will be insufficient for necessary capital improvements. Although federal funding opportunities exist, many utilities cite administrative burdens as a significant obstacle.
Now in its 14th year, the report draws on insights from 680 industry stakeholders and offers guidance for utilities navigating a fast-changing environment. Access the full report at iimag.link/dpkQo.
Smart Traffic Management to Save 900 Million Tons of Emissions Globally by 2030
A new study from Juniper Research, “Smart Traffic Management Market 2025-2030,” found the adoption of smart traffic management solutions will save up to 923 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2 by 2030, an increase of 151 percent on the 368 MMT CO2 savings forecast for 2025. This substantial increase in CO2 saving represents 1.5 percent of 2030 global carbon emissions.
The study also notes that security measures must scale alongside the growing number of sensors and the increasing volume of data generated. It specifically identifies technologies designed for high-end security in data-intensive and automated environments, such as data minimization solutions and federated learning, as ideal for processing real-time information from smart traffic management solutions.
Access the report at iimag.link/JdeEg.
TOP Stories
The following are the top stories from the last few months (in terms of traffic) on the Informed Infrastructure website. This also reflects key coverage areas that are regularly refreshed online and via our weekly e-newsletter. Simply search key words on Informed Infrastructure online to find the full story.
Buildings
- American Concrete Institute Expands ACI PLUS Platform with New Codes
- AISC Releases Design Guide for Assessment and Repair of Structural Steel in Existing Buildings
- Ewing Township Breaks Ground on New DIGroup Architecture-Designed Senior & Community Center
- AWS Releases A3.0M/A3.0:2025 – The Standard for Welding Terminology
- NTU Singapore Scientists Create ‘Fungi Tiles’ With Elephant Skin Texture To Cool Buildings
Transportation
- San Joaquin County Initiates Resilience Strategy for Emergency-Ready Infrastructure
- Video: How the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel Is Being Built
- Acrow Provides Permanent Replacement for Collapsed Bridge in Northwest New Mexico
- STV Celebrates Opening of First Major Flyover Ramp at Loop 1604 in San Antonio
- Atlanta Airport’s Concourse D Widens Using Less-Disruptive Approach
Water
- Luke 303 Water Reclamation Expansion in Phoenix
- Great Water Tech LLC Awarded Sourcewell Cooperative Contract
- Water Resilience: Closing the Funding Gap for Utilities
- Five Key Areas in Which Artificial Intelligence Is Set To Transform Water Management in 2025
- From Depths to New Heights: Revolutionizing Wastewater Pumping with Above-Ground Technology
Tools and Technology
- Woolpert, Chance Maritime Employ Autonomous Vessel and Team Collaboration to Efficiently Map Florida Seafloor
- HCSS Unveils HeavyJob for Utility Contractors to Capture 100% of Revenue with Streamlined Work Order Management
- Atlas Tube Unveils the HSS Connections Hub: Complimentary Tools and Expert Support to Help Structural Engineers Streamline HSS Connection Design
- What’s New in ReCap Pro 2026: Faster Collaboration, Better Coordination, and Efficient Modeling
- Esri Helps Bring Up-to-Date Road Closure Information To Consumer Mapping Apps
